The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Germany.
The possible sale, which includes associated equipment and services, has an estimated cost of $2.9 billion.
The German government is requesting up to 969 AMRAAM missiles to beef up its air defense capabilities.
Berlin also informed the US government of its intent to buy 12 AMRAAM C8 guidance sections, AIM-120 captive air training missiles, and telemetry kit and control section spares and containers.
Once the deal is finalized, Raytheon Missiles & Defense will serve as the principal contractor.
Improving Germany’s Firepower
Raytheon’s AMRAAM missile is described as one of the world’s most sophisticated and combat-proven air dominance weapons.
Built upon more than three decades of development, testing, and upgrades, the missile reportedly offers operational flexibility in air-to-air and surface-launch engagements.
Its advanced active guidance section and mature seeker design enable operators to quickly find targets and strike them with high precision.
Additionally, the AMRAAM has an effective range of more than 40 miles (64 kilometers) and can travel at speeds up to Mach 4.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency explained that the proposed sale will improve Germany’s firepower, especially amid the advent of more sophisticated threats.
“Germany already has AMRAAMs in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces,” the agency said.
